Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, highlighted the importance of Sharjah’s participation in the fair, emphasizing its role as a central event in the global literary and publishing landscape
Sharjah reaffirmed its position as a global cultural powerhouse with a prominent presence at the 51st edition of the London Book Fair (LBF), held at Olympia London. The fair, one of the most significant events in the global publishing calendar, brought together industry leaders, publishers, authors, and professionals from around the world to exchange ideas, showcase new offerings, and explore collaboration opportunities.
Sharjah’s participation at the LBF underscored its ongoing commitment to fostering international cultural exchange. The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) showcased the vibrancy and growth of the UAE’s publishing sector, highlighting the literary contributions of Emirati and Arab writers. In addition to promoting the region’s publishing landscape, SBA’s participation helped strengthen ties between the Middle East and the global publishing community, offering fresh opportunities for collaboration with international publishers.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, highlighted the importance of Sharjah’s participation in the fair, emphasizing its role as a central event in the global literary and publishing landscape. “Sharjah’s presence at the LBF is a key part of our annual agenda,” said Al Ameri. “Each year, we aim to reflect the achievements of Sharjah in the cultural sector, driven by the success of the Sharjah International Book Fair, which for four years in a row has held the title of the world’s largest book fair in terms of copyright transactions. This reflects Sharjah’s pivotal role in supporting global publishing and fostering cultural exchange between East and West.”
Al Ameri further explained that Sharjah’s cultural vision is deeply rooted in the belief that books are not only vessels of knowledge but also powerful bridges for promoting peace and understanding. Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the emirate has made great strides in positioning itself as a hub for cultural dialogue and intellectual exchange. “Sharjah’s participation at LBF aligns with this vision, as we continue to represent the UAE as a model of cultural excellence,” Al Ameri said.
The SBA’s pavilion at the LBF provided visitors with a glimpse into the rich literary heritage of the UAE and the Arab world. The pavilion showcased a curated selection of translated works in English, offering international visitors the opportunity to explore Arabic literature. It also facilitated meaningful meetings between Emirati publishers and their international counterparts, fostering discussions on potential collaborations and partnerships.
As part of the pavilion, the Sharjah Literary Agency played a key role in promoting the UAE’s publishing scene. It provided consultations on book marketing strategies and copyright protection, helping authors, publishers, and translators navigate the global book distribution landscape. The agency also connected key players in the industry, ensuring that Sharjah’s publishing initiatives gained global visibility.
Additionally, SBA’s Onshur Fund was showcased as a unique resource designed to support publishers at various stages of their professional journey. The fund provides financial incentives and resources to promote sustainability in the publishing industry.
